“… Really?”  

 

“Yes, I’m telling you.”  

 

“How is that even possible?”  

 

Inside the meeting room of the Toon Train broadcasting station for ‘Doctor Joy!’, an unbelievable story was circulating.  

 

“You’re saying that strict guy is bringing in a child actor?”  

 

“Yes. Exactly.”  

 

“What about the audition?”  

 

“He just saw the kid’s face and immediately contacted the parents to bring them in.”  

 

“What the heck is that!”  

 

The shocking report reached the ears of the AD and assistant director.  

 

Hearing this, the CP (Chief Producer) jumped up from his seat.  

 

He knew that PD Kim Young-mo was exceptionally talented, but this was crossing the line.  

 

No matter how you look at it, they’re adding someone without even holding an audition?  

 

Especially on a show already facing lobbyists from all sides?  

 

“Send them back immediately! This is nonsense! Just because it’s a kids’ show, does he think this is child’s play?!”  

 

Bang!  

 

When the CP slammed the desk, everyone flinched.  

 

“Even if we are at a disadvantage, this is not something we can allow! The broadcasting station is small? If this gets out, huh?! What are we going to do?”  

 

“But… What if it turns out well?”  

 

As they say, the biggest matters are often raised by the youngest.  

 

The CP’s temper flared once again at the words of the youngest writer.  

 

“Wh-what? Turns out well? How can it turn out well! I’m telling you, doing it this way is not allowed! What are you even talking about?”  

 

“N-no, I just mean… Someone like PD Kim Young-mo wouldn’t bring just anyone.”  

 

‘Is this what they call Generation X these days?’

 

‘How crazy has the world become for the youngest to talk back like this?’

 

“Hey, you! What do you… Hmm…”  

 

His boiling emotions gradually cooled down.  

 

The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.  

 

Who exactly was Kim Young-mo?

 

He turned down all the offers to join bigger broadcasting stations and stayed to create a children’s program that would go down in history.  

 

He was the one who yelled until his voice went hoarse, saying, “How long are we going to rely on importing foreign animations?”  

 

He was the one who shouted that we need content that embodies 100% of our nation’s spirit.  

 

And now, this guy was bringing in a child without even an audition?  

 

That certainly meant there was a good reason for it.  

 

“… So, Hye-mi.”  

 

“Yes.”  

 

“Where’s Young-mo now?”  

 

“He just finished parking and is on his way up.”  

 

“The elevator?”  

 

“Yes.”  

 

“Got it.”  

 

‘Alright. Let’s at least take a look.’

 

‘Let’s see what kind of talent this kid possesses and then make a decision.’

 

‘I can still get angry after that if needed.’  

 

The CP gathered his thoughts and sat near the elevator, waiting for Kim Young-mo.  

 

B3.  

 

B2.  

 

B1.  

 

With each rising floor number, the vibration in his legs intensified.  

 

The angel and the devil at his sides kept cooling and heating up his emotions.  

 

Then—  

 

Ding!  

 

As if rewarding his patience, the elevator doors opened.  

 

“You’re amazing, Young-mo! There’s no one quite like you!”  

 

Upon seeing the boy inside, the CP beamed widely.  

 

Indeed, PD Kim Young-mo knew what he was doing!  

 

Unbelievable!  

 

———

 

What is the most important aspect of directing?  

 

It’s the same as cooking.  

 

‘The cast is the most important.’

 

If you have good ingredients, no matter how you prepare them, the result will be fantastic.  

 

Just like how a salad made with organic vegetables turns out delicious.  

 

In this regard, the director was in an extremely good mood right now.  

 

‘Where did a kid like this come from?’

 

To keep the child’s clothes cost-effective, he wore a slightly oversized t-shirt.  

 

The pants were rolled up several times, making the cuffs look like plump rolls of kimbap.  

 

He wore sneakers that had clearly been used for a long time judging by their worn and washed-out state.

 

Just by this alone, he appeared like any five-year-old kid you could see around the neighborhood.  

 

But—  

 

‘He’s unbelievably handsome.’

 

How could a five-year-old have such features?  

 

A sharp nose, clear eyes, pupils that shone like starlight.  

 

Small, cute lips, and more.  

 

Having filmed children’s programs for quite a long time, he was, without a doubt, the best.  

 

It even made one think that there might never be another face like his in the future.  

 

Moreover.

 

The most astonishing thing was how remarkably calm he was for a five-year-old.  

 

Usually, a child would cry when separated from their mother in an unfamiliar environment.  

 

“… If you’re bored, should I hold your hand?”  

 

“It’s sweaty.”  

 

“W-what? I sweat a lot?”  

 

“That’s not what I meant. Just… Well, fine. Stay quietly next to me.”  

 

“Okay!”  

 

Instead, he was skillfully managing the veteran child actor, Kim Su-jin.  

 

Based on their conversation alone, you could mistake them for an older brother and younger sister.  

 

‘It’s a blessing that we had an empty spot just waiting to be filled.’  

 

The biggest enemy of child actors is their condition.  

 

Labor laws aside, how much stamina can kids have even if they enjoy playing around?  

 

They’re prone to falling ill at the drop of a hat.  

 

Today was a team game day, and the empty spot felt particularly glaring.  

 

But now, with such a perfect substitute, there was nothing to worry about.  

 

In fact, the director wasn’t the only one thinking this.  

 

“Normally, it’s unusual to fill a spot like this so quickly. But we are a smaller broadcasting station.”  

 

“Oh, yes, yes…”  

 

CP Heo Sang-seok, who had been fully prepared to scold PD Kim Young-mo, was now conducting the interview with a grin that stretched up to his ears.  

 

“First, let me explain how our filming process works…”  

 

CP Heo Sang-seok began explaining everything earnestly to the boy’s mother, Lee Yoo-hyun.  

 

He went over the filming methods, schedules, and how the appearance fee would be paid.  

 

While giving these various explanations, Heo Sang-seok kept sneaking glances at the boy—no, Kim Dong-hoo.  

 

‘He’s really beyond the world.’

 

There were instances where actors were said to act handsome.  

 

Even if they weren’t exceptionally good-looking, they could overwhelm everyone with their charm.  

 

Such actors were often more popular than genuinely handsome ones.  

 

However—  

 

‘He’s unbeatable.’

 

It felt like witnessing the standard of the next generation’s leading handsome man.  

 

Some might question whether they were showering a mere five-year-old with excessive praise.  

 

‘But this is my instinct.’

 

Heo Sang-seok, who had seen countless child actors grow up, felt his instincts strongly urging him.  

 

He had to secure this boy. Not just for a one-time appearance but as a permanent member on the show.  

 

So, Heo Sang-seok offered a surprisingly high appearance fee despite the fact that Dong-hoo was a new child actor.  

 

It was so high that even Kim Young-mo, who had brought him in, was left with his mouth agape.  

 

But then—  

 

“That’s a decision for my child to make.”  

 

Lee Yoo-hyun didn’t want to be the kind of parent who made decisions about her child’s future without their input.  

 

She said that she would leave all the choices up to Dong-hoo.  

 

So.

 

“Hello Dong-hoo. I’m Heo Sang-seok.”  

 

“Hello.”  

 

Dong-hoo bowed deeply.  

 

He was so young, yet so polite.  

 

It was a rare case where looks and character matched equally.  

 

“Do you know the program ‘Doctor Joy!’?”  

 

“Yes. I watch it often, and I’m really happy to be on it today.”  

 

As soon as his conversation with Lee Yoo-hyun ended, Heo Sang-seok hurried over to Kim Dong-hoo.  

 

Persuading a five-year-old was a piece of cake.  

 

Besides, ‘Doctor Joy! was practically a religion to young kids.  

 

Heo Sang-seok was sure his bait would succeed.  

 

“Really? Then how about appearing on it regularly?”  

 

“Regularly?”  

 

“Yes. If you want, you can meet and play with Dr. Joy every week!”  

 

For most new child actors, this was where the deal was sealed.  

 

Playing every week with Dr. Joy, who was their idol and star?  

 

There was not a child in the world who would refuse this.  

 

“Ah! But I’ll decide after today’s experience.”  

 

“Right? Then Uncle will set the schedule for next week, uh, what? Wait! Can you say that again?”  

 

Heo Sang-seok’s eyes widened.  

 

What did I just hear?  

 

Kim Young-mo stood beside him. He was equally stunned.  

 

“I’ll decide after I see how things go today. It’s not too late to think about it afterward, right?”  

 

“Y-yes. That’s right.”  

 

‘How is this kid so sharp?’

 

Heo Sang-seok and Kim Young-mo looked at each other and laughed in disbelief.  

 

Then they immediately realized.

 

‘This kid is not ordinary.’

 

———-

 

{Dong-hoo’s POV}

 

A second life began from the age of five.  

 

When I realized that the exact perks had carried over, I began to wonder.

 

‘To what extent will my perks apply?’  

 

There were three perks in total.  

 

The ‘Thousand Faces,’ which made me everyone’s ideal type.  

 

The ‘Thousand Talents,’ which made me excel at everything.  

 

And ‘Smooth Sailing,’ which made life unfurl easily.  

 

What kind of synergy would these create when combined?  

 

Entering the children’s program was my way of finding out.  

 

I thought it would take a little longer to get started.

 

However, everything was so fast paced that I was caught off guard.

 

Though I didn’t mind.  

 

‘Anyway, it’s an hour before filming starts, but I haven’t seen anyone yet.’  

 

Despite the presence of the child star, Kim Su-jin, the other kids still hadn’t shown up.  

 

‘Looks like discipline is lacking.’  

 

I thought it might be a good idea to whip them into shape.  

 

While I was having these thoughts, I heard murmurs from a distance.  

 

“Oh my, we have a new kid here?”  

 

“Now that you mention it, could this be the one they mentioned coming from the entertainment side…?”  

 

“You’re right. Just judging by the looks…”  

 

“Oh my, he’s incredibly handsome.”  

 

“But the mask. It’s a mask I’ve never seen before.”  

 

Five child actors appeared, each shadowed by their mothers, who appeared like their loyal bodyguards.  

 

Their entrance was reminiscent of a scene from the movie ‘Nameless Gangster’, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit tense.  

 

‘My mom is definitely going to be overwhelmed.’  

 

Mothers who had invested in their children as child actors from the beginning versus my mom, who just took a day off from work and rushed here.  

 

There was bound to be a significant difference in ‘battle power’ between them.  

 

‘Even I can’t do much about this invisible power struggle.’  

 

An invisible war.  

 

A tragedy was about to unfold in the hour before the beginning of the program.  

 

“So you’re Dong-hoo, the one who made our Su-jin cry.”  

 

Someone walked out from behind them with confident strides.  

 

Her elegant gait was like that of a model walking down the runway.  

 

The click of high heels echoed slowly through the broadcasting station’s hallway, asserting her presence.  

 

The fur coat she wore wasn’t just for braving the cold winter; it was a display of wealth, like a knight’s armor.  

 

Her necklace and earrings were adorned with large gemstones.

 

There was gold inlaid on the frames of her sunglasses.  

 

‘Huh?’  

 

At that moment, I immediately realized her identity.  

 

‘That’s right. Now I understand why Kim Su-jin became a child actor from such a young age.’  

 

And I also understood why she became a top star.  

 

Kim Su-jin had different genetics.  

 

Just like how a child born to athlete parents has an exceptional athletic ability,  

 

She was born with the same principle, holding the golden spoon of an incredible actor. 

 

A queen who once dominated TV as the nation’s favorite actress.  

Kim Yoo-ryun.  

 

She approached me and continued speaking.  

 

“I was curious about how handsome you must be for my daughter to cry over you so often…”  

 

“And I see, you really do look like that.”

 

She smiled seductively, gently passed by me, and stroked Kim Su-jin’s hair.  

 

“Hello, I’m Su-jin’s mother.”  

 

“O-oh, oh, oh oh, oh?”  

 

My mom instantly froze.  

 

Well, I would freeze too.  

 

So many things had happened in just under two hours.  

 

For my mom, who had lived her life as an ordinary citizen, shutting down was almost inevitable.  

 

‘But I don’t want to make a spectacle out of this.’  

 

This was the kind of moment that required drawing attention elsewhere.  

 

And I knew exactly how to do that.  

 

“Hey, you really sweat a lot.”  

 

“H-huh?”  

 

“You smell.”  

 

“Uh… No. I don’t… Waaah!”  

 

Kim Su-jin immediately burst into tears.  

 

The attention around us shifted to me and Kim Su-jin.  

 

Perfect performance.